Are there any alternatives to tooth extraction for a toddler

Hello, thanks for taking the time to read this. I took my son to the dentist this morning and I'm concerned enough to get a second opinion. My 19 month old son has tooth decay and our dentist is recommending extraction for all 4 front teeth but I don't like that he did not do an x ray before deciding something so serious so quickly. Are there any other options and is this normal? My son has no pain or infection.

Do you want to answer this question? Login or register now to answer this question.

Answer: Alternatives to Tooth Extraction for Toddler

By Sarah h
Dental Professional

It is always advised to seek a second professional opinion if you are feeling unsure of the recommended treatment. Most dentists are in the industry to save teeth, not remove them. More than likely the teeth have an extensive amount of decay and are not restorable or would have a very guarded prognosis. Once decay reaches the nerve of a tooth, a root canal needs to be perfomed and a crown replaced. These procedures can be very costly, especially if there is a good chance that the tooth or teeth may end up needing to be removed even after all attempts to restore the teeth have been performed. If the nerves in the teeth are dead, there will most likely be no pain, however that could change and if an infection forms or is present it can effect the development and eruption of the permanent teeth. Overall we never want our children to be in pain or have a negative dental experience. The patient and their well being is always placed above all else.

More Questions from Pediatric Dentistry

Short roots

Hello. My 7yo daughter went to the dentist today to check on a suspected cavity from previous visit. The dentist took a “growth” X-ray and showed the cavities but had more concern for her “short roots”. He said he would send her X-rays to an oral...

Missing or Abnormal Canine Teeth?

My 9 year old son seems to be either missing canines or they seem to be extremely abnormal in shape (look like molars). I would like to know if this is normal, and if not, what could have caused this?

Strange “orange growth” on side of tongue

My 12 year old daughter noticed a spot on the right side of her tongue. She says it doesn’t hurt at all or itch. It’s spongey and appears to be fully attached. The pediatrician has no idea what it is and has referred us to an ENT. Any ideas on what...

Should 8 yr old see orthodontist

Hello! My 8 yr old has 4 lower adult teeth that are creating grooves in the roof of her mouth behind her upper front (adult) teeth. Her two upper front adult teeth also have a significant gap and are twisted apart. The outer corners of these...

Are these results normal in oral surgury on a three year old?

My three year old had to have her front 4 teeth capped(crowned) the surgery was yesterday. The dentist accidentally busted her maxillary labial frenum and had to stitch it during the procedure. There is a gap between the two front teeth, that was...

Broken molar from rapid palatal expander??

My 8 year old had a rapid palatal expander was cemented in almost 3 weeks ago. We were told to turn once daily, for 3 weeks. Her follow up is in 3 days; however I am extremely alarmed - when brushing her teeth tonight, it appears the back upper...

How do I become a pediatric dentist?

How do I become a pediatric dentist I would like to know because I want to grow up and be one I want to help other children and children with special needs I love to see other children happy but want to know how to become one

Should I be concerned about an underlying genetic abnormality?

My kid was born with a natal tooth- a lower incisor that had no root system. It fell out when she was 4 days old. She is 16 months now, and just erupted a tooth in the same spot. That tooth appears to be two teeth fused together at the bottom- it...

Extra Molar?

Hello! I am a 14 year old girl with what almost seems as an extra molar... Back in November, I had realized I had a VERY sharp pain in the back of my mouth... One day I decided to look at it and see what it was, I quickly came to realize it looked...